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Cow Lane mains replacement

Cow Lane mains replacement, East Ilsley

We’re replacing ageing water pipes along Cow Lane and Compton Road in East Ilsley, West Berkshire. These cast iron mains have experienced repeated bursts. This leaves customers without water, and disrupts the local community.

The new polyethylene pipes are more durable. They'll provide a stronger, more resilient water supply for decades to come. Once complete, the upgrade will help prevent future leaks and service interruptions.

When and where we’ll be working

We’re planning to start work on Monday 23 June 2025. It will take around 10 weeks, with completion expected by Monday 2 September 2025.

Work will take place in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Cow Lane between Abingdon Road and Church Hill - 23 June to 29 July 2025
  • Phase 2: Compton Road junction to Church Hill and Summerdown Stables – 23 July to 2 of September. A road closure will be in place.

We’re working Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, with some work on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, if required.

This project is being carried out during the summer holidays to reduce disruption. West Berkshire Highways has asked that road closure work is

Cow Lane phase one map

Phase 1

Cow Lane phase two map

Phase 2

How this may affect you

  • Road closures will be in place during phase 2 works on Compton Road
  • A 13-mile diversion route will be in place, approved by the local highway authority
  • Access will be maintained for residents, bin collections and emergency services
  • Steel plates will be used where possible to maintain driveway access
  • No interruption to water supply is planned. If we do need to make a temporary change, we’ll notify you in advance
  • There may be extra noise and vehicle movement during working hours

We’re doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum. Thank you for your patience while we complete this essential work.

Maps and traffic management

  1. Overview of diversion route
    pdf | 6.3 MB
  2. Cow Lane detailed route phase 1
    pdf | 1.4 MB
  3. Compton Road detailed route phase 2
    pdf | 5.2 MB

Working with the community

We’re working closely with:

  • East Ilsley and Compton Parish Councils
  • Local businesses and residents
  • West Berkshire Highways and the local authority
  • East Ilsley Primary School

We’ll do all we can to reduce disruption while we work. But we understand your business may sometimes be affected. Learn more about our business loss of profits policy.

Emergency services water supply

As we replace our pipes, it's essential we reconnect all building services that are in use. This includes any emergency services connected to the mains, such as sprinklers or misting systems. Due to the age of some of these systems, information isn't always shown on our records.

Please call 0800 316 9800 if you have emergency services connected to the water main.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or concerns about the work, please call us on 0800 316 9800, select option 1, and quote reference number BB01108572.

Our free Priority Services are available for customers who need additional support. Register online or call 0800 009 3652.

You can also speak directly to our on-site manager if you have any immediate questions while work is taking place. This project is being delivered by our trusted partner, M Group Ltd (Morrison Water Services). Our teams will be wearing Thames Water–branded clothing for easy identification.

We’ll continue to update this page with the latest information as the work progresses.